Santo Antao Island

It was initially baptized of Santo António (St. Antohny), with 754 km2, is the second largest island in the Cape Verde arquiphelago, is also the westernmost and further north of the 10 islands, is also the one with the most rainfall.

Its geological history is marked by periods of some very intense volcanic activity interrupted by phases in which erosion was significant. Indeed its relief is the most impressive of all the islands with deep streams, rugged peaks and ridges, providing for the tourist point of view, one of the most interesting landscapes of Cape Verde, with the contrasting green areas with very dry regions.

The morphology of the island favors the existence of some micro-climates ranging from warm temperatures to dryness.

An extensive mountain range that extends from north to south divides the island into two parts, north and south, with altitudes exceeding 1500 meters in several locations being the mountain "Topo de Coroa" the highest point at 1979 meters of altitude.

The southern slope, where is located the city of Porto Novo with its seaport where are the connections to the São Vicente island, as a relief more cut out and is covered with herbaceous vegetation.

The plateaus in the central part of the range feature a cool and humid weather being covered with trees such as eucalyptus, cypress, pine, cedar and acacia.

The jagged relief with cliffs and escarpments, gorges and valleys, make this island unique in its beauty, a paradise for adventurers making possible the practice of trekking and mountain biking.

The northern slope, with the village of Ponta do Sol, offering an airfield, although currently inactive, the road to Ribeira Grande, Vale de Paul, the land of poet Antonio Januário Leite, the rise of Passage and the Fontaínhas show how green is this predominantly agricultural island, wich is the main activity for much of its 53,000 inhabitants, providing them with a pleasant rural lifestyle.

Agriculture, forestry and livestock have a considerable weight in the island's economy. Here is manufactured the famous "grogue", a sugar cane spirit, this is a strongly alcoholic drink and is still brewed with artisanal methods in a "Trapiche" (a small mechanical mill, animal powered by oxen or donkeys that grinds the cane) and the still using the burning wood fire. Bottles of this drink can be purchased as a tourist souvenir in attractive packaging.

The local culinary specialty is the “Caldeirada de cabrito” a lamb stew.